Willandra National Park
- Introduction
- Fact file
- NSWNPWS 1300 361 967
- NPWS Griffi th (02) 6966 8100
Introduction
Scrubby red sand plains stretch to the horizon in Willandra National Park, in the state’s remote west. In its heyday Willandra was one of the country’s great sheep stations, a small outback kingdom renowned for its superb merino wool. Today sheep properties surround the park and remnants of the pastoral era linger on. Extensive grazing over many decades substantially changed the natural environment but since being gazetted as a national park in 1972, a program of regeneration has been in place. The terrain is mainly fl at, with tracts of low woodland, eucalypt woodland on the fl oodplains and native grasses across the open plains. The reedy banks of Yangellawah and Willandra creeks are often shaded by coolibah trees. Kangaroos graze on the plains and emus roam in large groups. Goannas, stumpy-tailed shingleback lizards, skinks, and eastern and western brown snakes are among the many reptiles here. Surprising numbers of birds are drawn to the remote wetlands including many species of ducks, black swans, cormorants, great egrets, herons and other waterbirds. Majestic wedge-tailed eagles are frequently sighted soaring over the plains. Overlooking Willandra Creek, the original 1918 Willandra Homestead with its 26 rooms, lovely formal gardens and fragrant, old-world peppercorn trees, has been restored and offers up-market accommodation. Visitors can also stay in the more basic Cottage or the Men’s Quarters, or camp. The homestead precinct is a fascinating refl ection of the past. There are walking tracks (the heat can be searing in summer), and the Merton Motor Trail, although only 20 kilometres, is an interesting scenic drive. Canoeing on the creeks, fi shing and picnicking are other pastimes. The vast landscape, heritage buildings, vivid colours and stunning sunsets are ideal photographic subjects.
Fact file
Camping
Near a weir and billabong, 300 metres from homestead; fees apply; bush camping permitted
Location and access
64 km north-west of Hillston, on Kidman Way, via Mossgiel–Trunk Rd; from Mossgiel on Cobb Hwy via Mossgiel–Hillston Rd; access roads and roads in the park are unsealed and may be closed in wet weather
Park Information
Size
19 386 ha
Where to Stay
Homestead, Cottage or Men’s
Quarters, bookings (02) 6966 8100
Hillston/Ivanhoe www.visitnsw.com
Campsites
This small fibro cottage has 2 bedrooms with bunk beds sleeping up to 8 people. Self-contained, it has a kitchen stocked with cooking utensils, air conditioning and wood heating. It’s near Willandra Creek and... Find out more
Willandra Homestead Men's Quarters
This corrugated-iron 1960s building has 6 bedrooms sleeping up to 24 people, with a gauzed verandah to keep the flies out. It’s surrounded by the lovely formal gardens and fragrant, old-world peppercorn trees of... Find out more
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